Possible Ola Aina solution found as Nottingham Forest defender now ‘fit’ to face Manchester City

Nuno Espirito Santo was cryptic about the fitness of Ola Aina for the FA Cup semi-final, but one other Nottingham Forest defender has a stronger chance of returning at Wembley.

The situation isn’t ideal for the Forest manager as Ryan Yates is suspended alongside Neco Williams, on top of the injury concerns of Aina. At least further forward, the Reds are fully stocked, with Chris Wood returning from injury and getting back amongst the goals on Monday against Tottenham.

Pep Guardiola admires Forest’s attack, and they’ll have to be on form to compensate for the absentees further back as Espirito Santo doesn’t have the option to field the same defence that kept City out in March.

Aina could be fit for the City game, but playing him would carry added risk, meaning that another recently injured defender could get the nod instead.

Eric da Silva Moreira set to be fit for FA Cup semi-final

In his pre-match press conference, Espirito Santo was cagey about Aina’s availability, alongside the fitness of Eric da Silva Moreira, who would be a natural replacement at right back.

The news from The Athletic’s Forest writer, Paul Taylor, was more promising, though, as he conducted a Q&A session ahead of Sunday’s trip to Wembley.

On Moreira, he said: “I believe Moreira has a decent chance of being fit. But it is going to be a headache for Nuno, one way or another.

“It feels as though having Toffolo at left back and Moreira or Moreno at right back is the most likely option.”

Certainly promising news, having a natural replacement for Aina would allow Espirito Santo to stick with his favoured four at the back system, even though Moreira has little experience in the first team.